Occupation AtlasEditors
O*NET · 27-3041.00
Editors
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
44 more
Content Editor · Continuity Editor · Continuity Reader · Development Editor · Dictionary Editor · Digital Editor · Editorial Assistant · Editorial Specialist · Fashion Editor · Features Editor · Food Editor · Greeting Card Editor · Index Editor · Legal Editor · Magazine Editor · Make Up Editor · Manuscript Editor · Manuscript Reader · Market Editor · Medical Editor · Newspaper Copy Editor · Newspaper Editor · Newspaper Managing Editor · Newspaper Photo Editor · Online Content Editor · Opinion Editor · Opinions Page Editor · Photo Editor · Production Editor · Publication Editor · Publications Editor · Publishing Editor · Reviewer · Rewrite Editor · Science Editor · Scientific Publications Editor · Script Editor · Slot Editor · Society Editor · Sports Editor · Story Editor · Story Reader · Technical Editor · Telegraph Editor
Compare with another occupationCompare with Human Resources Specialists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ACEArtistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- A Artistic5.39
- C Conventional4.68
- E Enterprising4.13
- I Investigative2.90
- S Social2.56
- R Realistic1.03
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (30%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (27%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (35%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Time ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
Show the other 23
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Service OrientationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
19 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.Importance 4.7
- Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.Importance 4.6
- Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.Importance 4.6
- Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.Importance 4.6
- Write text, such as headlines, stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.Importance 4.6
- Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.Importance 4.4
- Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.Importance 4.3
- Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.Importance 4.3
- Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.Importance 4.2
- Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.Importance 4.2
- Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.Importance 4.1
- Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.Importance 4.1
Show the other 10
- Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.Importance 4.1
- Respond to questions from the public.Importance 4.1
- Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.Importance 4.0
- Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.Importance 3.9
- Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.Importance 3.8
- Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.Importance 3.6
- Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.Importance 3.5
- Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.Importance 3.6
- Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.Importance 3.4
- Arrange for copyright permissions.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Communications and MediaImportance 4.8Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Write a novel
- English LanguageImportance 4.8Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- DesignImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
Show all 33
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- GeographyImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- PsychologyImportance 1.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- TransportationImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- BiologyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ComprehensionImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
- OriginalityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 3.8
- Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.6
- MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.8Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Prepare or deliver press releases
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.8Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.7
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.7Level 5.9
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
Show all 41
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Processing InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
57 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (8)
- Adobe Photoshophot
- Hypertext markup language HTMLhot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- Content management systems CMS
Hot (15; 7 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Apple macOS
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Extensible markup language XML
- Google Analytics
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- WordPress
Other tools (34)
- Adobe Captivate
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe FrameMaker
- Adobe InCopy
- After the Deadline
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Apple iWork Keynote
- AutoCrit Editing Wizard
- Avid Technology Media Composer
- CCI NewsGate
- Drupal
- Editor Software Stylewriter
- Elite Minds RightWriter
- Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
- File transfer protocol FTP software
- FileMaker Pro
- Google Drive
- Grammarly Editor
- HP Autonomy TeamSite
- InScribe
- LexisNexis
- Microsoft Publisher
- myWriterTools
- Orpheus Technology Pro Writing Aid
- Polycom RealPresence
- QuarkXPress
- Social media sites
- Style guide databases
- Web browser software
- Web content management system CMS software
- WhiteSmoke
- YouTube
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Human Resources Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.2, Reading Comprehension −1.0
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +1.2, Writing −1.1
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Loan Interviewers and Clerks
Average difference 0.3 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.2, Management of Personnel Resources −1.1
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Intelligence Analysts
Average difference 0.3 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.9, Management of Personnel Resources −1.1
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Customs Brokers
Average difference 0.3 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.9, Reading Comprehension −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Average difference 0.3 points · Reading Comprehension −0.9, Writing −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Compliance Officers
Average difference 0.3 points · Reading Comprehension −1.0, Operation and Control +0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Document Management Specialists
Average difference 0.3 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.2, Reading Comprehension −1.1
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.